Ladies Wrap #0400

This is the first pattern I received from VPLL. ("Vintage Pattern Lending Library".)  If you did not read my first post, and you do not know about this great project, you can read all about VPLL and the Titanic Project here.
 This pattern has 3 layers, a top lace or net layer, a second layer to show underneath the lace or net, and a third layer for the lining.  I wanted it to look sort of like the pattern picture, but I really didn't want to spend the time to either embroider or bead the net layer.  I decided to cheat.  I know it is not period authentic, but just bear with me.  I decided to use (Gasp!) glitter.  I originally wanted to just use black t-shirt paint with the glitter already in it, but I couldn't find any I liked.  Quite frankly it would have been a whole lot neater than what I decided to do, which was use a glue for gluing down glitter made for fabric, and loose black glitter.  (However, thinking about it, I bet you could just mix the fabric glitter into some fabric paint and it would work just fine.)  Glitter everywhere.  Yes, I know I'm insane.  But it looks a whole lot better, and I think it simulates the beading closer than the other would have.  They ask you to make a muslin for your pattern, (Which is a test of the pattern first done in muslin or a cheap fabric.) however this pattern was fairly simple, and reading all of the comments made by the other test sewers, I decided to just go ahead and make it.

     At first, I wanted to use this beautiful black satin that I had gotten at a thrift store that has silver on the opposite side and just use 2 layers instead of 3.  I really tried to make it work, but at the end it just wasn't feasible.  The seams wanted to peep out even though I tried to sew a ribbon over them (Sorry, I didn't take a picture, I just got frustrated and ripped it out.  :)  ) and it just wasn't heavy enough.  I am kind of sorry that I cut the satin already, but I am using it for the lining.  Next, I did a test piece for the net.  I am not reccomending this, but I used a net I found at my local fabric store.  It is not sturdy enough, and I am afraid that someone will give me a hug with jewelry with a sharp piece on it and will rip a big hole in the net after I get the wrap finished. :)   I didn't want to spend a whole lot of money ordering fabric off of the internet though, so I just used what was available.

I based my design on the picture that came with the pattern. This is my test piece drawn on butcher paper with the plastic side up, with the net piece taped on top. 

This is what it looks like with the glitter on it still taped to the paper.  It worked out pretty well.

This is the finished test piece.  I found a piece of pewter satin that I had forgotten I had in my stash to use for the second layer.  I think it turned out pretty well, however the net wants to stretch and subsequently retract when you are sewing, so it doesn't want to lay right.  I basted the net to the top satin layer before I sewed it to the lining so that it wouldn't slide around as much.  I sewed it together using the largest stitch my machine makes to try and help it not move, but it didn't totally work.  I also sewed it all together along the line of glitter to help keep it more together(Also with a large stitch.).  I still might take this apart to try and fix it, however I hate to take it apart too many times because of the risk of ripping the net.

This is the main back piece, basted but not sewn yet.  I had to do the glitter on it in sections because it was so large.

All Done. :)

 

Well, I am all finished with my wrap. The pictures photographed in the daytime are not as shiny as the ones I did at night.  The wrap really is more reflective.

I had written another post previous to this one, where I talked all about doing the glitter part of this project, unfortunately I accidentally deleted it today, and I don't think I can get it back.  If anyone wants me to post more pictures or has any questions, tell me in the comments and I will try and get back to you as soon as I can.  :)

 I believe the wrap will wash fine, the glitter is fabric glitter and glue so it should be ok.  I ironed it on the back side using a low heat iron and it seemed to work.  I don't think I would put it in the dryer, though.  Very bad.

The glitter was kind of a headache.  I don't know that I would do it this way again, however it does sparkle.  :)  An easier way would be to use sparkly fabric paint, I just didn't find any I liked in a black.  You might be able to mix your own...  :)

For fabric I used cheap black matte net from the fabric store, a dove grey satin or silk, I am not sure, and a black satin or silk that was painted silver on the back.  I bought both of the satin/silk fabrics at a thrift store.

 

I was going to put on some trim around the neck, but when I went to the fabric store they had sold all of the trim I had wanted for that, and I decided I didn't want to wait another 2 weeks while they special ordered it to finish it.

First time I have worked with fringe.  It wants to get sewn on in places it shouldn't be at, and get sucked down into your machine and cause problems. :(

VPLL Checklist

1. Name of pattern-  A Ladies Evening Wrap (#0400)

2. Sewer's Skill Level-   Intermediate.  (I am pretty good at craft sewing, but not so much maybe with patterns.)  ;)

 3. Pattern Rating-  4- Better than average.  The pattern was very easy.  I didn't really read the      instructions too much, but it was pretty self-explanatory.

4. What skill level would someone need to sew this pattern, and why?-  Beginner level.  It is a very easy pattern.

5. Were the instructions easy to follow?  If not, what needs to be changed?-  They were pretty easy to follow.  One of the things that was confusing to most people with this pattern were the ties. Everyone thought that they were too long, and they are long, but if you look at the picture that comes with the pattern the ties are actually supposed to be placed above the ends of the wrap, somewhere above the bottom line of decoration.  Another thing is if you want to do the decorative patterns on it, you have to leave sewing space for the fringe ("Fringe allowance"  :)  )  and a space to sew the medallion/flower.

6.  How was the fit/sizing?  Did it correspond with what you thought?-  Yes, it is pretty good.  It wants to bunch up a little around the neck, but that might be because I added 1 3/4 inches to the pattern on the back fold, making it almost a 40" bust.

7.  Did you make any pattern alterations? If so, what pattern alterations did you make? Where they fit or design alterations?  I added 1 3/4" to the back fold to make it close to a 40" bust.  This was all that my fabric would allow, otherwise I probably would have added 2 inches.  This is the first time that I have ever altered a pattern, but it seemed that it turned out ok.  I also quilted along the middle lines in the design pattern just to hold it together a bit more.

      I tried to follow the surface design in the picture, however I used glitter instead of beads or embroidery.  I did make some of it up, especially the back because you can't see that part of the design.  From the illustration they must have embroidered a thin ribbon or used some sort of thread to embroider the pattern on the net, simply because the pattern seems to want to flow in one continuous line with no breaks.  If you notice the spiral in the front, it doubles back on itself.  I didn't do that, just because I didn't have to, but it looks nice.